(This seemed the most appropriate forum to post in, since it’s a discussion about CG, sort of. Please let me know if I should’ve posted somewhere else.)
Yes, I do understand I must know how to draw in order to do 3D CG. However, I don’t think I have to become a master 2D artist before I start doing 3D. I don’t want to spend 5 years learning 2D art if I find no pleasure in drawing.
Please hear me out: each day, I have about 1-4 hours of free time. Usually around 2 or 3. This means I don’t have the time to do both 2D and 3D, because they are both time intensive. I also find no joy in doing 2D work. It doesn’t feel natural to me, it’s awkward and seeing the finished drawings is only more disappointing. 3D, on the other hand, feels like I’m home. I can lose myself in 3D work in the morning, and before I know it it’s evening.
People say I have to learn 2D art because this way I will learn color theory, composition, and all the fundamental concepts of art. But why couldn’t I learn these concepts in 3D, in a medium I truly enjoy working in?
I can see why sketching is important, I can see why thumbnailing is important. But why do I have to know how to draw before I can do 3D work? In order to learn drawing, people recommend sight-see drawing. Sight-see drawing will be of no help for me in 3D. I’d rather do my animal studies in 3D than in 2D.
I enjoy this medium much more. A photographer doesn’t have to be a good painter in order to produce good photographs. A photographer can learn the fundamentals of art using his own tool: the camera.
Why does everyone say my 3D work will always be bad until I start drawing seriously? It’s depressing for me to have to draw and I don’t enjoy it a single bit. My 3D work doesn’t look good either, but I enjoy doing it.
What are you opinions on this? What drawing skills are required from a 3D artist?
Thanks for your input!